The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following a controversial incident in the high-voltage Asia Cup clash against India.
The controversy arose after Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss. The situation escalated post-match when Indian players reportedly avoided handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts, sparking outrage within the Pakistan camp. Captain Salman Ali Agha, visibly upset, boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest.
PCB Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the development via social media on Monday, stating that the incident constitutes a clear violation of the ICC Code of Conduct and undermines the spirit of the game. “Sportsmanship is the foundation of cricket. Such behavior cannot be ignored, and the role of the match referee in failing to address the matter is deeply concerning,” Naqvi emphasized.
The PCB has requested urgent action against referee Andy Pycroft for what it terms “inaction and negligence” during the incident. The board insists that accountability is necessary to preserve the integrity of cricket and ensure that respect between rival teams is maintained.
The ACC and ICC are yet to release official statements, but the incident has ignited heated debate across cricketing circles, further intensifying the storied India-Pakistan rivalry.